If you can't tell from my DIY page, I love taking old things and making them new. This easy chandelier upcycle is my latest project, and I am so proud of how it turned out.



I have to tell you how I came across this vintage piece, but first, here's a "before" picture:


The good thing about being the editor of a local magazine that contains classified ads is I get to be the first one to review a few of the ads as they come through. I ran across one selling "rustic/shabby chic wedding decor" and, of course, I had to check it out for myself. I called the lady and scheduled a time to meet her, and when I arrived, she was so desperate to get rid of her stuff that she GAVE it all to me (I only paid $10 for a 6 ft. tall screen and $5 for a rustic wooden bench). How awesome is that?! My car was loaded with TONS of stuff...you should've seen it! This will not be my only project from my treasure trove of goodness, so stay tuned. :)

Anyway, the next step was removing the lampshades and the little white plastic tubes. I wanted to keep the decorative glass tube in the middle of the chandelier, so I taped over it a piece of computer paper. Then, I went to town with the spray paint (I used Valspar® Outdoor Spray Paint in the color satin koi pond).


I couldn't just keep the tubes white, so I found some spare scrapbook paper and glued it onto the tubes.



After adding some bejeweled embellishments, I think it's finally ready to hang over my cute bistro set!



What a neat addition to our patio! As for those lampshades...I have different plans for them. ;)

Now all that's left to do is for Hubs to re-wire it and hang it for me! Yay!

If you see an old chandelier like this at a flea market or somewhere for a low price, buy it! You can add your own touches to make it a one-of-a-kind piece so it will match any color scheme you have.